YOUNG drivers keen to get rid of their L-plates face a long wait to get behind the wheel alone.

Chris Franks, Plaid Cymru AM for South Wales Central, applied for driving test waiting time figures under the Freedom of Information Act.

The information received showed waiting times in Merthyr Tydfil and Pontypridd test centres had risen, with those ready to take their tests now waiting up to eight weeks to be examined.

The AM said: “I am concerned that waiting times have risen across Wales, including both in Pontypridd and Merthyr, and I have written to the DSA to ask them the reasons – whether it is the result of reduced staff levels or, perhaps less likely given the economic situation, that more people are taking tests.

“It appears to me that there is a resource issue – I think eight weeks is too long and it needs to be reduced.

“The UK Government is clearly not interested in providing decent public services. This is yet another example of the way Wales is being treated.”